Two weeks later, Monday afternoon, Justin and John were lounging in their apartment, textbooks shoved aside after hearing the unexpected news.
Justin's phone buzzed, and he read aloud, "Guys, exams postponed by two weeks. Timetables out today."
John threw his pen on the table. "Thank God! I needed that."
They both grinned, relieved to have more time.
After a bit, John turned serious. "So, how are you holding up with… Melanie? What's really going on between you two?"
Justin smirked, "We're just friends. Nothing more."
John laughed, "Yeah, same thing you said with Chloe… until, you know."
Justin chuckled, "Bro, nothing like that with Melanie. She's not even my type."
John raised an eyebrow, "So Chloe's your type? Or something like that? But you said you'd never date her."
Justin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's complicated, man. Chloe's different… but yeah, I don't see us as a thing."
John smirked, then asked, "Have you seen Bella recently? You said you'd text her. Have you?"
Justin shook his head. "No, not yet. I keep forgetting."
John leaned back, crossing his arms. "Do you still have feelings for her?"
Justin hesitated, then said quietly, "No."
John narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure? Because I know you too well, man. You don't just forget someone like Bella that easily."
Justin looked away, a flicker of something unspoken in his eyes. "I'm sure. I've moved on."
John gave a knowing smile. "Alright, I'm holding you to that."
While Justin and John were still gisting on the couch, Justin's phone rang. He glanced at the screen.
"Austin (Big Bro)"
Justin grinned. "It's Austin," he said, then picked up.
"Hey big bro! I missed you. How's work?"
Austin's voice came through, warm and calm. "I missed you too, little man. Work is alright. Long meetings, boring people, same old stuff. How're you and John?"
"We're good," Justin replied. "John's here too."
"Big man John!" Austin greeted with a laugh.
"Yo, Austin!" John called out from across the couch. "Hope you're still the finest big bro around."
"Always," Austin said with a chuckle. "So, what's going on? School, classes, exams?"
Justin gave a dramatic sigh. "Exams were just postponed, so we're chilling a bit before everything gets crazy again."
Austin chuckled. "That's good news. Still, don't slack. Read when you can."
Justin nodded, "Yeah yeah, I will. Now what's up with you? You sound too relaxed."
There was a pause. Then Austin said, "Okay, I've got gist."
Justin perked up. "I'm listening."
"So…" Austin dragged. "I've been talking to a girl from your school for some weeks now."
Justin sat up straighter. "Wait what? For real? Who is she?"
Austin laughed. "Nope. Not telling you anything yet."
"Come on now," Justin groaned.
"Nope," Austin replied, teasing. "I want it to be a proper introduction when you finally meet her. No spoilers."
Justin laughed, shaking his head. "Aww, so she's fine-fine, right?"
"Very," Austin said. "Smart, calm, and honestly… I think I'm asking her to be my girlfriend soon."
"Wow," Justin said, impressed. "You're not playing."
John leaned in. "Now I'm curious too."
Justin added, "You're stressing me now. When are you bringing her out of hiding?"
"Very soon," Austin said. "Just know… you'll like her. She's different."
They wrapped up the call after a few more casual jokes and updates, promising to link up soon.
As Justin dropped the phone, both he and John glanced at each other.
"Now I'm really eager to see who this mystery girl is," Justin said.
John nodded. "Same here, bro. She must be special."
They both leaned back, eyes on the ceiling, letting their minds wonder.
*****
Bella was lying on her bed, scrolling through her phone when it rang. It was Austin.
She smiled softly before picking up.
"Hey you," she said.
"Star girl Bella," Austin replied with a light chuckle. "I just had to hear your voice again today."
She laughed. "I thought you were busy with work?"
"I was," he said. "But I made it through the day, partly because I was looking forward to talking to you."
"Aww," Bella smiled, resting her phone on her cheek. "You say the smoothest things."
They talked about random things for a while, Bella's day, what she ate, how her class was dragging lately, and Austin's work meetings.
"I hope you're resting well," Austin added. "Exams are coming up remember?,"
"Yeah, I'm trying. Kathy and I are drawing up a reading schedule," Bella said. "It's a lot, but we'll manage."
Just then, Kathy entered the room, holding her phone.
"Babe," Kathy called, walking in. "Guess what?!"
Bella turned to her, covering the mic. "What?"
Kathy grinned. "Exams have officially been postponed! They sent out a new memo. Two weeks break!"
"No way!" Bella gasped.
Austin overheard. "Postponed?"
"Yup!" Bella said into the phone. "You heard that?"
"I did," Austin laughed. "Well, that gives you more time to relax… and maybe for us to see each other again."
Bella smiled. "I'd like that."
Kathy, still holding her phone, mouthed, "Austin?"
Bella nodded.
Kathy raised her thumb and whispered dramatically, "Green flag."
Austin's voice came again. "Send my greetings to Kathy, by the way."
"I will," Bella said. "She's right here."
"Hi Austin!" Kathy called out, leaning in.
He chuckled. "Hey Kathy. Keep looking after Bella for me."
Kathy laughed. "Always."
As the call wrapped up, Bella's mood was light. No anxiety, no drama,just warmth.
And in that moment, even with everything unresolved with Justin, she felt peace.
As soon as the call ended, Bella stared at her screen for a few seconds, smiling to herself. There was something different in the way Austin spoke to her. It wasn't loud or flashy, but it was... calming.
Without even thinking, she jumped off the bed and ran straight to Kathy's room.
"Kathy!" she called, swinging the door open.
Kathy, who was lying on her bed scrolling through her phone, looked up. "What's up? You look like you just won a scholarship."
Bella bit her lip, pacing for a moment, then blurted, "I want to tell you something."
Kathy sat up quickly, sensing the weight in Bella's voice. "Okay, tell me."
Bella hesitated, almost whispering, "I think I like Austin."
Kathy's eyes widened. "Wait… like "like"? As in"
Bella nodded fast. "Yes. I don't know when it happened, but after frequent calls and the way he talks to me and checks up on me, Kathy, it's like he actually sees me. And it's not just about the attention… I feel safe. I feel calm."
She sat on the bed, her voice soft and slightly shaky. "And it's not like with Justin. I'm not confused or unsure. Austin… he's different."
Kathy broke into a grin and screamed into her pillow.
"Finally!" Kathy exclaimed. "Finally, you're moving on from that bastard Justin! God knows he didn't deserve you in the first place!"
Bella laughed, feeling the warmth of her friend's joy.
Kathy grabbed her hand. "Look at you, smiling again. Blushing. You don't know how happy I am to see you like this. And Austin? Girl, green flag on all sides!"
Bella giggled. "I was scared to say it out loud… but yeah. I really think I like him."
Kathy smirked. "Then let's just pray Mr. Starboy asks you out officially soon. We're entering soft girl era now, no more tears for dusty boys."
They both burst into laughter.
And for the first time in weeks, Bella's heart wasn't heavy. It was light. It was hopeful.